Activists agree to step back, while telling PM to resign by Sunday

Following a televised address to the nation by the Thai PM at 7pm last night, amid rising political tension, anti-government protesters have agreed to take a step back. However, they are still insisting the Thai leader must resign by Sunday and calling for all charges against arrested activists to be dropped. While speaking to the nation via a televised broadcast last night, Prayut Chan-o-cha said he would be the first to step back and called on those protesting against his leadership to do the same.

“At this point, we all need to take a step back, to step back from the brink, away from the path that would plunge Thailand into disaster.”

Yesterday afternoon, protesters again assembled at the Victory Monument in Bangkok and proceeded to march to Government House, but had their path temporarily blocked by police cordons behind barriers and barbed wire. The activists managed to break through the cordon and continued to Government House. However, at Chamaimayarachet Bridge, another police blockade had been created to protect nearby Government House, with the controversial water cannons on standby.

2 buses were also used in the blockade, with a number of protesters climbing on top of one bus to read statements and repeat their call for the PM to go. Activists also handed a large-scale, mock resignation letter to Pakkapong Pongpetra, the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police. The protesters have vowed to return if the PM has not resigned by Sunday.

During his address last night, the PM did not address the issue of the demands for his resignation.

SOURCE: Thai PBS World